§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many statutory instruments his Department sponsored in the last Session of Parliament; and how many of these(a) constituted a new rule or regulation, (b) were introduced to implement European Community directives and (c) amplify the minimum standards set out in an original European Community directive. [2459]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 28 November 1995]: A total of 107 general statutory instruments were made in the Session 1994–95. Of these, based on data for the first six months of 1995, we estimate that:
- almost 20 per cent. revoked earlier instruments or substituted a more favourable regime for business;
- more than 15 per cent. implemented EU or other international obligations including measures to facilitate intermember state trade;
- two per cent. facilitated privatisations and competitions;
- almost 50 per cent. updated fees and charges, or concern local legislation.
Twelve statutory instruments implemented EC legislation. In implementing the directives, none of these instruments go beyond the minimum standard required.